14 Off-the-Crushed-Path Issues to See in Paris (Up to date 2025)

Paris is crammed with well-known sights: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, the catacombs, the Pantheon, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Coeur. The listing goes on. There are such a lot of wonderful websites right here that you could possibly spend days (heck, even weeks) simply seeing the principle, most well-known ones.

However there’s extra to Paris than the websites that appeal to hundreds upon hundreds of holiday makers every day.

Whereas I used to be residing in Paris the previous few months, I made it my mission to see among the extra uncommon, lesser-known (however equally superior) sights (that didn’t include the annoying crowds that make so lots of Paris’ sights insufferable).

And, whereas among the issues on the listing beneath may not be “tremendous secret” sights or actions, they do fall into the class of “missed sights” so I included them.

Listed here are among the finest off-the-beaten-path issues to see and do in Paris:

1. Musée Édith Piaf

Édith Piaf is maybe essentially the most well-known French singer from the Thirties to the Nineteen Sixties, and recognized around the globe for her songs La vie en rose and Non, je ne regrette rien (which appeared within the film Inception). She lived in a bit of condominium within the Ménilmontant district firstly of her profession, which has been become a tiny museum devoted to her. You get a glimpse at her life by means of her gold and platinum information, images, clothes, letters from followers, posters, recordings, and sheet music.

Admission is free, however you’ll must make an appointment.

2. Musée Curie

Marie Curie was the primary girl to win the Nobel Prize (and the one girl to win it twice) for her analysis into radioactivity (a phrase that she invented). She was the primary feminine professor on the College of Paris in addition to the primary girl to be entombed within the Panthéon on her personal deserves. Positioned within the fifth arrondissement, this museum, in her outdated laboratory, highlights her radiological analysis. It’s insightful and eye-opening for anybody unfamiliar together with her historic discoveries.
 

3. Archives Nationales

Opened in 1867, the Nationwide Archives homes hundreds of historic paperwork courting again to 625 CE. Considered one of six nationwide archives within the nation, the museum sheds gentle on France’s turbulent previous, offering nuanced historic particulars and context by means of everlasting and short-term exhibitions.

Constructed by the order of Napoleon I, the constructing itself (often known as the Hôtel de Soubise) is totally gorgeous. It’s within the late Baroque fashion, embracing lengthy columns and many statues and sculptures. It options immaculate grounds and gardens as effectively. They all the time maintain numerous good exhibitions too.
 

4. Librairie Galignani

This bookshop claims to be the oldest English bookstore in continental Europe, having opened in Paris in 1801. Previous to that, they had been situated in Venice and the Galignani identify has been related to publishing books because the sixteenth century. Age apart, this can be a good spot to browse as it’s completely filled with books. You may simply spend a pair hours right here looking by means of the stacks and cabinets. It’s a quiet, quaint store and the employees are tremendous educated. If you happen to’re an avid reader like me, don’t miss it!
 

5. Paris Level Zero

That is the official heart of Paris, from which all distances within the metropolis are measured. Whereas it’s only a easy brass star set into the sidewalk close to the Notre Dame Cathedral, there are just a few common rituals right here that make this a brief however enjoyable cease (and because you’ll probably be close by visiting the Cathedral, you would possibly as effectively cease right here). Some individuals deal with the star as a wishing effectively, tossing a coin and making a want (which is why there are often a handful of cash on the star). Others, nonetheless, insist that in the event you stand on the star with the one you love and kiss, your love will final eternally.
 

6. The Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy

Opened in 1898, this gallery is part of the French Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past. Taking over the bottom ground of the constructing, it’s house to over 1,000 animal skeletons from around the globe, together with full skeletons of elephants, giant cats, and even dinosaurs. It’s as attention-grabbing as it’s unsettling: all of the animals are dealing with the identical method, making it appear to be you’re within the midst of some undead stampede!

7. Petite Ceinture

In use from 1862 by means of 1964, the railway circling Paris was deserted when town expanded past its limits. It’s principally hidden behind buildings and coated in wild vegetation and grass now, although some sections are actually formally open to the general public. You’ll discover all kinds of flowers and avenue artwork alongside the tracks.

Whereas some sections are unlawful to go to, close to Parc Georges Brassens you’ll discover a part of the tracks often known as the ‘Passage de la Petite Ceinture’ that’s each free and authorized to go to. It’s situated within the 15e arrondissement.
 

8. The Salvador Dalí Sundial

This surrealist sundial was created by world-renowned artist Salvador Dalí. Positioned on Rue Saint-Jacques, it’s a mixture of a human face and a scallop shell (the image of the Camino to Santiago, because the avenue is called after the saint). Whereas the sundial doesn’t really work, it’s nonetheless a straightforward option to see a chunk of art work by some of the well-known artists on this planet.
 

9. Le Passe-Muraille

This iconic bronze sculpture is situated close to Montmartre, making it a straightforward cease in your itinerary. It’s based mostly on a personality from The Man Who Walked By means of Partitions (Le Passe-Muraille), a brief story by Parisian Marcel Aymé revealed in 1941. Within the story, a person good points the flexibility to go by means of partitions and he makes use of the ability to rise up to no good. On the finish of the ebook, although, his energy fades simply as he’s passing by means of a wall…and he will get caught. If you happen to rise up near the sculpture, you’ll see that the fingers of the statue are further easy, due to numerous individuals taking images of themselves making an attempt to tug the person free.
 

10. Montmartre Cemetery

Whereas the Père Lachaise Cemetery is the most important and hottest in Paris, for a extra secluded stroll, take a look at the Montmartre Cemetery. Loads of individuals go to the highest of Montmartre for Sacré-Coeur and the view, however few take the time to wander this cemetery sitting on the foot of the district. It opened in 1825 and is house to many cobwebbed mausoleums, in addition to a handful of stray cats. You gained’t see many individuals right here, so you’ll be able to discover in peace.
 

11. The Museum of Counterfeiting

Opened in 1972, this museum is house to counterfeit gadgets which have been collected by France’s customs brokers and police (in addition to donated gadgets from manufacturers and shoppers alike). There are over 500 gadgets within the museum, starting from counterfeit artwork and luxurious items to extra mundane gadgets, like cleansing provides. Whereas some knockoffs are spectacular of their duplicity, it’s additionally humorous to see simply how dangerous some counterfeiters had been!
 

12. Promenade Planteé (Coulée verte René-Dumont)

This tree-lined walkway is a greenbelt that extends virtually 5km alongside the outdated Vincennes railway line. The railway line ceased functioning in 1969, with the park being inaugurated just a few many years afterward. Till New York constructed their Excessive Line, it was the one elevated park in all the world. (And, truthfully, that is method nicer than the NYC Excessive Line).

You’ll discover a lot of timber, flowers, ponds, and locations to take a seat alongside this lengthy path that stretches from Bastille to the sting of Paris. It’s an extended, straightforward, and exquisite stroll. You gained’t discover many individuals right here. Even on a pleasant day, it’s somewhat empty. It shortly grew to become one among my favourite issues to do in Paris and I can’t suggest coming right here sufficient!
 

13. Canal Saint-Martin

Stretching 4.5km, the Canal Saint-Martin is a man-made waterway commissioned by Napoleon. Building completed in 1825, connecting the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine by way of each above-ground locks and underground tunnels. Whereas not any secret spot (on a pleasant day, you’ll discover the canal lined with individuals), it’s principally a spot for locals who need to have a picnic and loosen up. So, say no to the Seine, and are available have your out of doors picnic alongside the canal. It’s extra stress-free and there will probably be fewer individuals!
 

14. Museé de Montmartre

Based in 1960, this museum is situated all through two buildings that date again to the seventeenth century. Over time, the buildings had been house to many well-known writers and painters. The gardens of the museum had been really renovated to look extra just like the gardens in Renoir’s work (there’s additionally a winery close by that dates again to the Center Ages however it makes horrible wine). The museum’s everlasting assortment contains all kinds of work, posters, and drawings.

Whereas the principle sights in Paris are all the time value trying out, if you wish to be greater than a vacationer and develop a better appreciation for the Metropolis of Gentle’s distinctive and sophisticated historical past, go to these unconventional and strange sights in Paris.
 

Get Your In-Depth Price range Information to Paris!

For extra in-depth info, take a look at my guidebook to Paris written for price range vacationers such as you! It cuts out the fluff present in different guides and will get straight to the sensible info you must journey round Paris. You’ll discover recommended itineraries, budgets, methods to save cash, on- and off-the-beaten-path issues to see and do, non-touristy eating places, markets, bars, transportation and security suggestions, and way more! Click on right here to study extra and get your copy at this time!

Plan your journey to Europe like a professional

Get all my finest Europe journey suggestions in addition to free planning guides despatched straight to you and see extra of the nation for much less!